State Parks – Kennebec Valley

Lake St. George State Park. Photo courtesy of Paul Saxton.

Lake St. George State Park

Lake St. George State Park (278 Belfast Augusta Road, Liberty; 207-589-4255) is open year-round, with camping available from May 15 to October 1. This scenic park surrounds the 1,017-acre Lake St. George, a popular fishing for salmon and brook trout, canoeing, boating and swimming destination. Visitors can camp along the lakeside, let the kids run on the playground, and listen for the haunting calls of the resident loons in the morning. Winter visitors can cross-country ski or snowmobile along the park’s 5 miles of hiking trails. The campground has 38 tent and RV sites with showers and boat/canoe rentals. Pets are welcome. Entrance fees start at $4 for adult residents, $6 for non-residents, $2 for seniors, and $1 for children.

Peacock Beach State Park

Peacock Beach State Park (Route 201, Richmond; 207-582-2813), about 12 miles from the capitol at Augusta, offers a sandy, lifeguarded beach on the shores of Pleasant Pond. Open from Memorial through Labor Day, this 93 acre park also features grassy picnic areas and several boat launches, perfect for canoes, kayakers and anglers. While you’re at Peacock Beach, keep your eyes open for the many resident birds; the nearby waters of Merrymeeting Bay are home to a variety of migratory species. Leave Fido at home, as no dogs are allowed on the beach. This state park doesn’t charge an entrance fee.